DOC Tuition Reimbursement FAQ S

DOC Tuition Reimbursement FAQ’s

It is a state funded tuition reimbursement program for all permanent employees.

When am I eligible?

You are eligible to participate in the TRP once you have completed 12 months of continuous full-time employment with the DOC and are considered in an “active” status.

If I decide to voluntarily leave employment with DOC prior to the expiration of the eighteen month period for another state agency, do I still have to reimburse DOC?

Yes, you must reimburse DOC for the tuition prior to your last day of employment.

Can I flex my schedule to attend classes that DOC is covering under the TRP?

No, the program assists in defraying expenses individuals incur when taking educational courses on their own time and these courses must not interfere with the employee’s normal working hours.

Will I be promoted if I take advantage of this program?

This program is designed to enhance the knowledge and/or skills that contribute to the employee’s job performance and/or will prepare them for advancement within DOC. The TRP program does not guarantee any financial incentive or guarantee of promotion.

What is the timeline for submitting my request?

All applications must be submitted and approved by the Human Resources Division Director no earlier than 8 weeks before the course(s) begin and no later than 2 weeks prior to the start of the course(s). (Any applications received outside this time frame will be returned to the employee.)

How do I get started?

Employees who wish to take a course should obtain the TRP packet (application, TRP Guidelines, and the Agreement for Repayment form) from their HR office. You must include a course description for each course you are taking from the institution you are attending.

Does this need to be approved by my Supervisor?

After completing both forms, they must be given to your immediate supervisor for approval and signatures. Your supervisor must make a recommendation, provide comments, sign and date the application and forward the application, the signed repayment agreement, and course description(s) to the Human Resources Division E334. Managers/Supervisors in the approval chain will not stop an application because they feel it does not meet the criteria.

DOC TRP Committee will approve or disapprove the application and notify the applicant directly in writing. If the application is approved, the applicant will receive a letter and a copy of the approved application.

What if my course is cancelled for some reason?

If information on the application changes (i.e. course is canceled or applicant will be taking the course at a later date), it is the responsibility of the applicant to notify HRD.

Can I use this for correspondence courses?

Some correspondence schools may be approved on an individual basis. Judgments as to whether a course meets approval criteria will be made by HRD. Courses must be approved by HRD prior to enrollment unless this requirement is waived by the TRP Committee.

What is considered a satisfactory grade?

The course must be completed with a satisfactory record or a grade of C or better for undergraduate courses, a grade of B or better for graduate courses,